By Jama Ayaanle Feyte
HARGEISA – The 5th Central Council meeting of the WADDANI Party officially opened this morning in Hargeisa, drawing top party leadership and government officials to discuss the party’s vision and the nation’s progress since assuming power.
The gathering was attended by the President of the Republic of Somaliland and founder of the party, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), alongside WADDANI Party Chairman H.E. Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, senior party leadership, Central Council members, and other distinguished guests.
President Cirro Endorses Chairman Hirsi as Successor
In a historic address to the 5th Central Council, President Cirro made a clear declaration regarding his political future and the party’s leadership transition. He announced that upon completion of his constitutionally permitted term, the party’s chairman, Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, would be his designated successor.
“When I complete the term permitted by the Constitution, the candidate who will succeed me is Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan,” President Cirro stated firmly.
The President emphasized the importance of institutional continuity within the party, noting that WADDANI has established a clear distinction between the roles of Party Chairman and Presidential Candidate—a pioneering step among Somaliland’s political parties.
Recognition of Previous Administration’s Efforts
In a gesture of political unity, President Cirro acknowledged the efforts of former President Muse Bihi Abdi in advancing Somaliland’s quest for international recognition. He noted that while Muse Bihi had invested significant effort toward this goal, it was under his administration that recognition was ultimately achieved.
“My friend Muse Bihi, you worked hard to bring recognition to Somaliland, but today it is I, as the President who succeeded you, who has brought it,” President Cirro said. “And today I tell my friend Muse: now that you have accepted this matter, do not turn away from it.”
Strong Stance on Jerusalem Embassy
President Cirro took a firm position regarding the recently opened Somaliland Embassy in Jerusalem, stating that anyone opposing the embassy’s establishment in the holy city is fundamentally opposed to Somaliland’s recognition by Israel.
“Whoever says ‘I oppose the opening of an embassy in Jerusalem’ is essentially saying they oppose Somaliland’s recognition,” the President declared.
He further emphasized that “the decision to open the embassy in Jerusalem is correct and will not be reversed,” reinforcing his administration’s commitment to this diplomatic milestone.
Reflection on Electoral Victory
Reflecting on the 2024 presidential election, President Cirro described himself as the “player you all trusted to compete in the 2024 presidential race, and the people of Somaliland accepted and voted for.” He expressed gratitude to the party members and the broader populace for their support and confidence in his leadership.
Commitment to Constitutional Duties
President Cirro underscored his constitutional obligation to serve every citizen of Somaliland, regardless of political affiliation. He stated: “I am the President of the Republic of Somaliland, and I bear a constitutional duty to serve every citizen. As President, I accept the responsibility that comes with this position, and I am prepared to address issues to the best of my ability.”
Recognition of Women’s Role
In his address, President Cirro paid special tribute to the women of Somaliland, describing them as “the strongest pillar upon which the WADDANI Party is built. They are the ones who organized, systematized, and devoted themselves fully.”
Vice President Calls for Accountability
Vice President Mohamed Ali Abdi delivered a significant message emphasizing the need for accountability between the party and the government. He stressed that the WADDANI Party must hold the government it produced accountable for its promises and performance.
“The party and the government must account for the success achieved and the trust that was given,” Vice President Abdi said. “The people are watching what the government has accomplished and what was expected of it. The party has a responsibility to hold accountable the government it established, and it would lack dignity if it does not.”
Party Leadership Structure Pioneering Somaliland Politics
The Minister of the Presidency and Secretary-General of WADDANI highlighted that his party is the first in Somaliland’s political landscape to clearly distinguish between the Party Chairman and the Presidential Candidate—a structural innovation that demonstrates institutional maturity.
He also noted that WADDANI is the first political party in Somaliland to establish a clear political identity and ideology, setting it apart from other parties in the country.
Party Deputy Chairman Calls for Unity
Deputy Chairman of WADDANI, Abubakar Abdirahman Good, called upon the people of Somaliland to stand together behind the nation’s development and defend the cause of recognition.
“We must not turn against each other. We must consolidate the success of recognition and stand united around it,” he urged.
Good, who previously served as Minister of Water Resource Development, warned that since Somaliland achieved recognition, adversaries have emerged to oppose it, making it imperative to protect the gains the government and party have made.
Minister Urges Patience Among Party Members
Minister of Parliamentary Relations and Constitutional Affairs, Ahmed Aw-Dahir Hassan, addressed party members who have not yet been appointed to government positions, urging them to demonstrate patience and understanding.
“Chairmanships do not accommodate everyone. Many people who have worked for the party, sacrificing both life and wealth, may not receive the positions the President appoints,” he said. “The essence is not that everyone who participated in the struggle gets something. Those who have not been appointed and are complaining about the party must exercise patience.”
The Minister explained that the purpose of political struggle was not individual gain but ensuring that principles and values prevail.
